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Join us for a captivating conversation with guitarist and composer Shylu Ravindran, known for his powerful work with the contemporary fusion band Jattayu. Shylu opens up about his extraordinary transition from being a prodigious Carnatic mridangam player—the son of a legendary vidwan—to becoming a groundbreaking Carnatic-influenced electric guitarist.
In this episode, Shylu shares:
- Life Before and After Guitar: How the stage shifted from being a "second home" (with the mridangam) to a "nightmare" (with the guitar) and the five years it took to find confidence.
- The Preparation Process: His essential rule for maintaining a "calm mind" before a gig, why a peaceful soundcheck is paramount, and his surprising pre-show routine.
- The Spiritual Performance: Why he believes music is a sacred ritual and how he enters a "trance world" on stage where the only focus is his bandmates and the monitors.
- The Business of Music: His candid advice on building a successful career in original music by establishing a parallel teaching ecosystem, and why being fit is as crucial as being financially smart.
- Rehearsal & Mistakes: Why "too much rehearsal is bad," how Jattayu balances spontaneous improvisation with a tight structure, and why human "errors and flaws" are necessary for a beautiful live experience.
- Life on the Road: Managing the intense pressure of touring with a close-knit band and the differences between the conservative Carnatic environment and the free-form world of fusion.
Shylu offers a rare, honest glimpse into the dedication, discipline, and sheer joy that powers one of the most exciting voices in Indian contemporary music.
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